Healthy Chicken Spinach Rice Bake

Name: Healthy Chicken Spinach Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Nourishing Dishes

I absolutely love making this Healthy Chicken Spinach Rice Bake! It's a nutritious one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and fluffy rice into a comforting bake. The best part is that it’s packed with proteins and greens, making it a great option for busy nights when I still want to enjoy wholesome food. I’ve experimented with various seasonings, and I’ve found that adding a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of cheese elevates the flavors perfectly, transforming this dish into a family favorite!

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:36:49.933Z

As I was developing this recipe, I wanted to create something that would be healthy yet still satisfying. The combination of chicken and spinach baked with rice was inspired by my desire for a complete meal that’s easy to prepare. After testing various ingredient proportions, I discovered that using brown rice not only boosts the nutrition but adds a delightful chewiness that balances with the tender chicken.

One of my favorite things about this bake is that it’s so versatile. You can easily substitute ingredients, like adding bell peppers or swapping in quinoa for a different texture. This means you can adjust it to suit your taste, making it a dish I return to time and again!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich spinach
Easy one-dish preparation saves you time on clean-up
Versatile ingredients allow for endless customization
Perfectly comforting and satisfying for the whole family

Cooking with Chicken

The chicken in this dish is the primary source of lean protein, making it an essential ingredient for a healthy meal. Choosing boneless, skinless chicken breasts helps keep the dish lower in fat. When sautéing, ensure the chicken is cooked through until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This can be verified using a meat thermometer, which is a fantastic tool to avoid undercooking or drying out your chicken.

To enhance the flavor profile of the chicken, you might consider marinating it in a mixture of low-sodium soy sauce and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. This adds a zesty brightness to the dish while ensuring the chicken remains juicy. Remember not to overcook the chicken in the skillet; it should become golden on the outside while retaining moisture inside.

The Role of Spinach

Fresh spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients in this Healthy Chicken Spinach Rice Bake, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Be sure to chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces; this not only helps it sauté evenly but also ensures it's well-distributed throughout the dish. If fresh spinach isn't available, you can use frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

Cooking the spinach just until wilted brings out its vibrant color and enhances its flavor without losing its nutritional value. This process takes about 2-3 minutes. If you happen to have leftovers and want to include other greens, consider adding kale or Swiss chard; just take care to manage their cooking times so they don’t overpower the other flavors.

Adjusting the Recipe

This recipe offers a lot of flexibility with ingredients, making it easy for you to adapt it according to your dietary needs or what you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still retain a rich, hearty texture and nutritional value by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

If you are meal prepping, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. To reheat, allow the bake to come to room temperature and cover it with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This dish reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or oil.

Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, sautéed chicken mixture, chopped spinach, chicken broth, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Bake

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating your favorite herbs such as thyme or oregano into the mixture. You can also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist!

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your Healthy Chicken Spinach Rice Bake with a fresh salad can elevate the meal by adding crunch and additional flavors. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works beautifully to balance the richness of the cheese. You could also serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans for an extra boost of vegetables.

I find that adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before serving adds an interesting twist to the flavor profile. It’s a simple way to introduce either creaminess or heat, depending on your preference, creating a delightful contrast with the baked ingredients.

Storing and Freezing

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them is straightforward. Allow the chicken rice bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; just be sure to label them with a date to track freshness.

To reheat frozen portions, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a preheated oven until warmed through. I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth to moisten the dish before reheating, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during the process. This makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the other ingredients.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything in advance and cover it tightly with foil. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking cold.

→ What sides pair well with this bake?

This dish is quite filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.